I agree, Dan. Although he's not in panic mode, he is beginning to sweat a little.
Check out some quotes from the South Bend Trib on RINO Freddie's campaign kickoff:
Upton kicks off re-election run
GOP congressman seeks 9th term
DOWAGIAC -- U.S. Rep. Fred Upton has an opponent in this Republican year's primary as he runs for re-election to Michigan's 6th Congressional District.
But those in the audiences as he announced his candidacy in a series of stops Tuesday wouldn't have learned that fact if they didn't know it already, because Upton never mentioned state Sen. Dale Shugars by name.
Instead, Upton, 48, a St. Joseph Republican who has served eight consecutive two-year terms in the House of Representatives since 1986, touted his record and conservative credentials.
The hilarious thing is, he's trying to pass himself off as some kind of staunch conservative. Two years ago the guy was proud to be a moderate. Note that Freddie is a close colleague of the excrable Christopher Shays. Now get aload of this:
"As you know, I am today just what I was when you first elected me: a Ronald Reagan Republican ... a conservative committed to lower taxes ... smaller, but better government ...
And you're right, he has some big guns on his side:
The congressman also highlighted a letter of endorsement, one that is from a supporter hard to match: President George W. Bush.
A letter from Bush endorsing Upton praised him for helping to craft and pass tax relief, and for his support in the global war on terrorism. The letter is dated March 22. Upton was joined at his Dowagiac appearance by U.S. Rep. Peter Hoekstra... R-Holland,
Upton sought to stress the importance of homeland security and the need to fight terrorism following the Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon."They want us, every community, to live in fear," Upton said. "But I promise you today, as sure as I'm standing here, this threat will not stand. America will win."
One of Upton's leading causes has been seeking the establishment of a "kids.us" Internet domain, to protect children from pornography and other materials.
So, the stategy seems to be that he'll invoke the name of Reagan, wrap himself in the flag, and tout his initiatives for THE CHILDREN (not that there's anything wrong with fighting pornography, but he only does this when he has to make himself look conservative).
For the whole article, click here.